During my years at American University, I have heard a lot about the school's goal to become the "premier global university." I respect this aspiration, and I certainly think that AU has made great strides to accomplish its goal. That is why, in recent months, I have been utterly disappointed in the University's willingness to consider Starbucks as a coffee option for our campus. Our administration continually talks about global responsibility, and yet it is paying very little attention to a company that demonstrates global responsibility through virtually all of its business practices.
Pura Vida is a nonprofit company that gives back to the struggling coffee communities with which it works. It is a company that sells 100 percent fair-trade certified coffee, which guarantees that it pays all of its coffee farmers fair prices for their work. Pura Vida's continuous sense of global responsibility is further shown through its commitment to the environment. With its dedication to buying only shade-grown coffee and using recycled products, Pura Vida proves that its actions coincide with its goals and aspirations. If only our "global university" would do the same.
Jessica Fabbre is a senior in College of Arts and Sciences and serves as vice president of the Fair Trade Student Association.
